This is a light hearted blog on the top 10 things I hear from clients.Its abit of fun - well mostly.
1. "But I've given you everything" - When asked for missing paperwork, typically missing bank statements- no you haven't, if you had we wouldn't need to ask for it!
2. "My mate pay less tax/fees/" It seems everyone is an accountant . I never knew there were so many around, willing to give oodles of advice for the price of a pint!
3. "Deadline-what deadline?" - The deadline we reminded you of numerous times, along with HMRC, and Companies House, by text, email, letter!
4. "My accounts are simple" - Ahh, my heart fills with dread everytime I hear this as it usually means nothing of the sort!
5. "I just want a quote on the phone" - Bad luck because we dont do them. Firstly you may be a competitor fishing for our charges. Secondly we never get a full picture of the work involved and you as a client, so cannot give an accurate quote. Thirdly we waste alot of time giving free advice on the phone, as you ring several accountants, getting non like-for-like quotes which are meaningless in comparison because the service levels are different. Fourthly, I could go on but you get the picture!
6. "How much tax do I have to pay?, but I haven't got the money to pay it."- maybe not now, but you did, unfortunately you've spent it!
7. "I need my accounts done quickly because I'm going on holiday, so want to get them signed off before I go"- Well if you'd let us have the information when requested, some 3 months ago, instead of 2 weeks before your holiday they'd be done by now.
8. "When will I get my tax refund?" - We are not HMRC, once we submit we have no idea, it maybe 2 weeks or 2 months.
9. "Why cant I claim my mortgage/rent/utility bills/food as expenses?" - because they aren't business expenses!
10. "Its not fair-Starbucks, Amazon, Facebook don't pay any tax." -Write to your MP.
